Application and platform security
Applications and platform security is the basis of preventing vulnerabilities and attacks. Learn the latest about applications attacks, secure software development, patch management, OS security, virtualization, open source security, API security, web app and server security and more.
Top Stories
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News
19 May 2025
New GitHub Copilot agent edges into DevOps
The GitHub Copilot coding agent can take on toilsome tasks such as bug fixes and code reviews with its own GitHub Actions pull requests. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2025
News brief: Patch critical SAP, Samsung and chat app flaws now
Check out the latest security news from the Informa TechTarget team. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2019
Complexity requires new cloud-based patch management strategies
Patch management for cloud creates new challenges than traditional in-house programs. Expert Dave Shackleford presents patch management best practices for providers and consumers alike. Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2019
DARPA unveils first SSITH prototype to mitigate hardware flaws
DARPA is still in the early prototype stages of its SSITH program, but the aim is to develop an open source chip able to block hardware attacks and reduce the need for software patches. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Aug 2019
What's the best way to prevent XSS attacks?
To prevent cross-site scripting attacks, software developers must validate user input and encode output. Review characters to filter out, as well as sources and sinks to avoid. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Aug 2019
Why is patch management important?
Borderless networks present new challenges for security pros. Andrew Froehlich explains how this trend makes patch management even more important. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Aug 2019
How does Menlo Security’s remote browser compare in an ever more crowded space?
There are now many remote browser isolation options available, from both desktop virtualization vendors and security vendors. Menlo just got a $75 million round of funding—so, how does it compare? Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2019
DevOps security checklist requires proper integration
There are a lot of moving parts to adding security into a DevOps environment. Using application testing DevOps security tools are key to the equation. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Aug 2019
CEO on collaboration tool security, insider threats, skills gap
Michael Coates, CEO and co-founder of cloud collaboration security platform Altitude Networks, speaks to industry trends and his transition from CISO to CEO. Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2019
Black Hat 2019 keynote: Software teams must own security
In the keynote for Black Hat 2019, Square's Dino Dai Zovi emphasizes security as a collaborative effort by all software teams that relies on communication, automation and feedback. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2019
How to start building a DevSecOps model
To help transition to a DevSecOps model to protect enterprises, security teams need to identify key stakeholders, provide examples of specific company security events and work toward creating crossover teams. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2019
BlueKeep blues: More than 800,000 systems still unpatched
Despite alerts from Microsoft and the U.S. government, more than 800,000 online systems have yet to patch the Windows RDP vulnerability two months after it was disclosed. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2019
E-commerce platforms used for domain spoofing against Best Buy
Despite efforts to flag spoofed domains imitating Best Buy, the sites are still active on e-commerce platforms like Shopify and GearLaunch, which have not taken them down. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2019
Zoom vulnerability reveals privacy issues for users
Companies and users around the world were impacted by a Zoom conferencing software flaw that could allow threat actors to forcibly join a video call without interaction. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2019
Gartner: Application security programs coming up short
At the 2019 Gartner Security and Risk Management Summit, experts discussed how enterprise application security efforts are falling short and what can be done about it. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
BlueKeep warnings having little effect on Windows patching
DHS issued the latest security advisory for BlueKeep, but it's unclear whether the repeated warnings are being heeded by organizations that have vulnerable systems on the internet. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Jun 2019
How can developers avoid a Git repository security risk?
Learn how managing web development content with the popular version control system can be risky without taking action to avoid these basic Git repository security risks. Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
Docker vulnerability with no patch could allow root access
A security researcher disclosed a Docker bug that could allow an attacker to gain root-level access to a system. Docker signed off on the disclosure, despite a fix not yet being available. Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2019
Hackers scan for MySQL ransomware targets
A security researcher found that malicious actors have been scanning database servers for MySQL ransomware targets running on Windows, but mitigation should be relatively easy. Continue Reading
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Report
24 May 2019
Using virtual appliances for offload is a key encryption strategy
Using a virtual appliance to process traffic is a key encryption strategy enterprises can use to improve throughput. The results are striking Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2019
Barracuda Advanced Bot Protection safeguards web applications
Advanced Bot Protection is a cloud-hosted platform that defends against automated threats using AI. It is available as both a web application firewall (WAF) and WAF as a service. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2019
WannaCry infections continue to spread 2 years later
Two years after the initial wave of WannaCry attacks, security researchers said the ransomware continues to spread to vulnerable devices even though it's not encrypting data. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 May 2019
Google focuses more on steering the Android ship than righting it
Google's security and privacy upgrades to Android are mostly forward-thinking changes, readying for a future that is inevitable but unclear, rather than ways to improve security today. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2019
Cisco SSH vulnerability sparks debate over backdoors
Cisco released a patch for a critical vulnerability in Nexus 9000 switches that could allow a remote attacker to gain root access because of the use of a default SSH key pair. Continue Reading
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Guide
03 May 2019
How to manage application security best practices and risks
The reality of application security risks requires software developers to be mindful of testing, tools and best practices to improve user experience and information security. Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2019
DHS patching directive brings shorter deadlines
A new DHS directive placed new deadlines on patching critical vulnerabilities for federal agencies and experts are divided on whether the timelines are reasonable and realistic. Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2019
A recent history of Facebook security and privacy issues
Since the start of 2018, Facebook has had a seemingly constant cascade of security issues and privacy scandals. Here's a look back at the social media giant's most serious issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2019
How to improve application security testing when it falls short
Application security testing is a critical component of enterprise security. Find out what steps you can take to make sure your testing procedures fit the bill. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2019
Microsoft disputes Outlook data breach report
Microsoft warned Outlook users who may have had data compromised in an attack using customer support login credentials to access account information over the course of months. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2019
Pipdig WordPress plugin accused of DDoS attacks and backdoors
Pipdig, a blog theme and plugin company, was accused of using obfuscated code to gain backdoor access to customer blogs and launch low-scale DDoS attacks on rivals. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2019
Proof-of-concept Magento exploit used in attacks
Experts are urging users to patch after a proof-of-concept Magento exploit was picked up by malicious actors and used in attempted attacks on e-commerce websites. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2019
4 steps to ensure virtual machine security in cloud computing
Enterprises are now operating in a cloud-virtual world. Understanding four steps to ensure virtual machine security in cloud computing environments is crucial. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Mar 2019
Symantec Web Security Service vs. Zscaler Internet Access
Learn how cloud-based secure web gateway products Symantec Web Security Service and Zscaler Internet Access compare when it comes to features, benefits, pricing and support. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2019
Ghidra update squashes serious bugs in NSA reverse-engineering tool
The NSA answered lingering questions around what kind of support it would provide for Ghidra after releasing the tool as open source with a patch that fixed serious bugs. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2019
6 questions to ask before evaluating secure web gateways
Learn which six questions can help an organization identify its web security and business needs and its readiness to implement a secure web gateway. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2019
Critical WinRAR bug exploited in targeted attacks
A critical WinRAR bug that was exposed after 19 years is already being exploited in targeted attacks in the Middle East and United States, despite the availability of patch. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2019
5 common web application vulnerabilities and how to avoid them
Common web application vulnerabilities continue to confound enterprises. Here's how to defend against them and stop enabling exploits. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2019
Despite reservations about NSA's Ghidra, experts see value
The NSA's reverse-engineering tool, Ghidra, was released to the public and despite some initial concerns experts are generally bullish on the prospects for the free software. Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2019
Battling misinformation focus of Facebook, Twitter execs' talk
Facebook and Twitter executives say finding a pattern of malicious activity is more effective in identifying bad actors on sites than looking at the misleading information itself. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2019
NSA releases Ghidra open source reverse-engineering tool
The National Security Agency launched its highly anticipated reverse-engineering tool, Ghidra. The free software offers features found in high-end commercial products. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2019
The developer's role in application security strategy
Developers often pay lip service about being integral to application security, but they usually don't consider vulnerabilities until much too late in the dev process. Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2019
Coinhive shutdown imminent after troubled cryptomining past
The Coinhive cryptominer is scheduled to be shut down following a troubled history and experts don't think the company gave the full story as to why the shutdown is happening. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
01 Mar 2019
Mimikatz tutorial: How it hacks Windows passwords, credentials
In this Mimikatz tutorial, learn about the password and credential dumping program, where you can acquire it and how easy it makes it to compromise system passwords. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2019
Cisco patches persistent Webex vulnerability for a third time
After two previous attempts, Cisco has issued a third patch for a persistent flaw in its Webex platform, which allows privilege escalation attacks on systems running the software. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2019
MarioNet attack exploits HTML5 to create botnets
Researchers created a new browser-based attack, called MarioNet, that exploits an HTML5 API and can create botnets even after a browser tab is closed or a target navigates away. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2019
WinRAR bug found and patched after 19 years
A WinRAR bug that affects every version of the app over the past 19 years was discovered and patched. But it's unclear if the millions of the app's users will get the needed fix. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2019
Weighing the cost of mitigating Spectre variant 2
Fixes for the Spectre variant 2 vulnerability affect system performance, so some in the tech sector wonder whether they're worth it. Expert Michael Cobb examines that question. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Feb 2019
Should I use GitHub's new private repositories?
Is GitHub's new private repositories service robust enough to serve the needs of enterprises? Nick Lewis examines what works -- and what doesn't. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2019
Google Play security improved by targeting repeat offenders
Google this week attributed security improvements in Google Play to both automated processes and human reviewers. The improvements include stopping bad apps from being published. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Feb 2019
How do trusted app stores release and disclose patches?
A flaw was found in the Android installer for Fortnite and was patched within 24 hours. Learn how such a quick turnaround affects mobile app security with expert Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Feb 2019
How can credential stuffing attacks be detected?
Credential stuffing attacks can put companies that offer online membership programs, as well as their customers, at risk. Find out how to proactively manage the threat. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2019
Dunkin' security alert warns of new credential-stuffing attacks
Dunkin' sent a security alert to customers warning of potentially malicious access of accounts due to the second credential stuffing attack in less than three months. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Feb 2019
How did Browser Reaper cause browsers to crash?
A Mozilla vulnerability duplicated in the Browser Reaper set of DoS proofs of concept caused Chrome, Firefox and Safari to crash. Learn why and how this occurred. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2019
MongoDB security head addresses database exposures
Davi Ottenheimer, MongoDB's head of product security, discusses his company's efforts to prevent accidental database exposures and why so many misconfigurations occur. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2019
Vet third-party apps to reduce supply chain threats
Enterprises are more vulnerable than ever before to supply chain threats from third-party apps and modules. Last fall's compromised NPM package is one cautionary tale. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2019
5-step checklist for web application security testing
This five-step approach to web application security testing with documented results will help keep your organization's applications free of flaws. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2019
Apple releases FaceTime patch and iOS zero-day fixes
New bug fix releases for both iOS and macOS include the anticipated FaceTime patch for the serious eavesdropping flaw in group chats as well as fixes for two iOS zero-days. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2019
More Ghostscript vulnerabilities, more PostScript problems
Researchers keep finding PostScript interpreter bugs. Find out how a new Ghostscript vulnerability enables remote code execution against web services and Linux desktop users. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2019
The security implications of serverless cloud computing
Cloudflare Workers is new for serverless cloud computing and introduces benefits and drawbacks for security professionals. Expert Ed Moyle discusses the security side of serverless. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2019
Google planning warnings for lookalike URLs in Chrome
Google is planning to add warnings on lookalike URLs in an ongoing effort to ensure internet users experience useful and clear warnings while using the Chrome browser. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2019
Facebook and Google exploit Enterprise Certificate loophole on iOS
Both Facebook and Google were found to be exploiting a loophole in Apple's Developer Enterprise Program for iOS with apps used to gather data on users who installed them. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2019
Steps to improve an application environment and fix flaws
Eliminating application security flaws from an enterprise's server can be a complex task. Learn steps to take in order to improve application security with expert Kevin Beaver. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jan 2019
What are the best ways to prevent a SIM swapping attack?
SIM swapping is on the rise as the use of mobile devices increases. Discover what SIM swaps are, how they work and how they can be mitigated. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jan 2019
How does cross-site tracking increase security risks?
Mozilla's Firefox 63 automatically blocks tracking cookies and other site data from cross-site tracking. Learn what this is and what the benefits of blocking it are with Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Jan 2019
How can attacks bypass Windows Driver Signature Enforcement?
Security researchers demonstrated how a new fileless attack technique can bypass a Windows kernel protection feature at Black Hat 2018. Find out how the technique works. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2019
UnCAPTCHA attack updated to bypass spoken phrases
Researchers updated their unCAPTCHA proof of concept to be more efficient in bypassing audio CAPTCHAs and be able to handle spoken phrases and not just strings of numbers. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2019
NSA to release GHIDRA open source reverse engineering tool
The National Security Agency plans to release an open source version of its GHIDRA reverse engineering tool during RSA Conference in March, but details about the tool are scarce. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2019
The pros and cons of proxy-based security in the cloud
Is proxy-based security in the cloud right for you? Expert Ed Moyle looks at the benefits and drawbacks of using proxies for Office 365 and other cloud platforms. Continue Reading
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News
27 Dec 2018
NPM security to use automated tools to boost community alerts
Adam Baldwin, director of security for NPM, talks chains of trust and new NPM security initiatives that will bring automated alerts to help highlight potentially malicious activity. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2018
Microsoft patches Internet Explorer zero-day bug under attack
News roundup: Microsoft issues an emergency patch for an Internet Explorer bug exploited in the wild. Plus, authorities indict three individuals for 'stresser' services, and more. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2018
Twitter bugs expose user data and direct messages
Two Twitter bugs led to questions about the platform's user privacy and security, while the company said one of the bugs opened the door to possible state-sponsored attacks. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Dec 2018
How Big Star Labs was able to use data collecting apps
The ad-blocking vendor AdGuard found browser extensions and apps from Big Star Labs collecting browser history data. Discover how this was accomplished with Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Dec 2018
How to ensure your enterprise doesn't have compromised hardware
Enterprise protections are crucial in order to guarantee the safety of your hardware. Discover best practices to guard your enterprise's hardware with Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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News
13 Dec 2018
Project Zero finds Logitech Options app critically flawed
Tavis Ormandy of Google's Project Zero discovered a serious authentication vulnerability in Logitech's Options application, but the peripheral device maker has yet to address the flaw. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Dec 2018
Why is preloading HTTP Strict Transport Security risky?
Despite being designed to improve security, infosec experts have warned against preloading the HSTS protocol. Learn about the risks of preloaded HSTS with Judith Myerson. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Dec 2018
Faxploit: How can sending a fax compromise a network?
Check Point researchers found a fax machine attack allowing attackers to access scanned documents. Discover how this is possible and how users can avoid falling victim. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2018
Second Google+ data exposure leads to earlier service shutdown
Another Google Plus data exposure -- this time potentially affecting more than 52 million users -- will cause the service to be shut down four months earlier than scheduled. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Dec 2018
How the SHA-3 competition declared a winning hash function
NIST tested competing hash functions over a period of five years for the SHA-3 algorithm competition. Learn the details of what they discovered from Judith Myerson. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2018
Facebook app permissions skirted rules to gather call logs
New email messages revealed that Facebook app permissions were carefully implemented to avoid alerting users to the fact that the Android app was gathering call log and SMS data. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Dec 2018
How did WhatsApp vulnerabilities get around encryption?
WhatsApp vulnerabilities can enable hackers to bypass end-to-end encryption and spoof messages. Expert Michael Cobb explains how these attacks work and how to prevent them. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Dec 2018
How can users remove Google location tracking completely?
Disabling Google location tracking involves more than turning off Location History. Learn how to manage your account settings to stop tracking entirely with expert Michael Cobb. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Dec 2018
How does TLS 1.3 differ from TLS 1.2?
Compared to TLS 1.2, TLS 1.3 saw improvements in security, performance and privacy. Learn how TLS 1.3 eliminated vulnerabilities using cryptographic algorithms. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Dec 2018
How do L1TF vulnerabilities compare to Spectre?
Foreshadow, a set of newly discovered L1TF vulnerabilities, exploits Intel processors via side-channel attacks. Learn about L1TF and its variations from expert Michael Cobb. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2018
Testing applications in production vs. non-production benefits
To ensure proper application security testing, production and non-production systems should both be tested. In this tip, expert Kevin Beaver weighs the pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Dec 2018
Marcus Ranum: Systems administration is in the 'crosshairs'
After years of spirited debates and top-notch interviews, columnist Marcus Ranum is signing (sounding?) off with some final thoughts on the future of security. Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2018
Compromised NPM package highlights open source trouble
A compromised NPM package targeted a popular bitcoin wallet with cryptocurrency-stealing code and experts say the issue highlights the lack of a chain of trust in open source software. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Nov 2018
How container security tools affect overall system security
Container security continues to be a pressing issue as containers and hosts are being used more frequently. Learn how to keep your enterprise safe with Matt Pascucci. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
Firefox Monitor offers breach alerts on visited websites
The promised integration with Have I Been Pwned is expanding in Firefox Monitor with new breach alerts when a user visits a recently compromised website. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2018
How to configure browsers to avoid web cache poisoning
Web cache poisoning poses a serious threat to web browser security. Learn how hackers can exploit unkeyed inputs for malicious use with expert Michael Cobb. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Nov 2018
How does new MacOS malware target users through chat?
New malware targets cryptocurrency investors through MacOS and chat platforms were recently discovered. Learn how OSX.Dummy malware works and what users can do to spot the attack. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2018
Why entropy sources should be added to mobile application vetting
NIST's 'Vetting the Security of Mobile Applications' draft discusses four key areas of general requirements. Learn how further improvements to the vetting process could be made. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Nov 2018
How does the public Venmo API pose a threat for users?
The public Venmo API setting puts users at risk by providing detailed insight into their transactions and personal lives. Expert Michael Cobb discusses the risks of public APIs. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2018
How testing perspectives helps find application security flaws
Application security testing requires users to test from all the right perspectives. Discover testing techniques that help find application security flaws with expert Kevin Beaver. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2018
As PHP v5 nears its end, enterprises face serious threats
The majority of websites still use the outdated PHP v5, according to recent data, causing concern over the fact that it will stop receiving security support at the end of the year. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2018
What Microsoft's InPrivate Desktop feature could mean for enterprises
Microsoft's secretive, potential new feature InPrivate Desktop could give security teams access to disposable sandboxes. Expert Ed Moyle explains how the feature could work. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Oct 2018
Google sets Android security updates rules but enforcement is unclear
The vendor requirements for Android are a strange and mysterious thing but a new leak claims Google has added language to force manufacturers to push more regular Android security updates. ... Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2018
WebExec vulnerability leaves Webex open to insider attacks
A remote code execution flaw in Cisco Webex -- called WebExec -- could be an easy vector for insider attacks, and the researchers who found it say it's easier to exploit than detect. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Oct 2018
How was Kea DHCP v1.4.0 affected by a security advisory?
Kea, an open source DHCP server, was issued a medium security advisory for a flaw that causes memory leakage in version 1.4.0. Discover the workarounds with Judith Myerson. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Oct 2018
Does pcAnywhere put election management systems at risk?
ES&S admitted it installed the insecure remote access program pcAnywhere on election management systems. Learn what pcAnywhere is and what this risk means for election systems. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Oct 2018
Siemens Siclock: How do threat actors exploit these devices?
Siemens disclosed six Siclock flaws that were found within its central plant clocks. Discover why three flaws have been rated critical and how threat actors can exploit devices. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Oct 2018
How do newly found flaws affect robot controllers?
Several vulnerabilities were found in controllers made by Universal Robots. Discover what these controllers are used for and how threat actors can exploit these vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
